Racism on football pitch: Allegations against Fabregas, Terry

Fabregas denies racially abusing Kanoute

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas denied on Sunday that he racially abused Sevilla's Malian striker Frederic Kanoute in Saturday's 0-0 La Liga draw at the Nou Camp and the pair later settled their differences by telephone.

"I want to categorically deny that I made any kind of racist insult towards any Sevilla player," the Spanish international and former Arsenal captain wrote on his Twitter account after local media reported the accusation.

"I will not tolerate anyone accusing me of things that I'm not," added the 24-year-old.

"If they are frustrated by a decision that has gone against them on the football pitch then there are others ways to deal with it.

Kanoute said he had been "provoked and insulted" during a mass brawl which erupted after Barca were awarded a penalty in second-half stoppage time. He did not mention Fabregas by name or use the word racist.

Before the penalty kick was taken, an angry Kanoute kicked the ball away from the spot and appeared to grab Fabregas around the throat before being sent off. Lionel Messi's effort was then saved by goalkeeper Javi Varas.

Image: Cesc Fabregas is grabbed by the throat (left) as Barcelona and Sevilla players argue after a penalty during their La Liga match at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on SaturdayPhotographs: Reuters

Terry denies racially abusing QPR's Ferdinand

Chelsea captain John Terry denied making a racist slur against defender Anton Ferdinand, brother of Manchester United's Rio, during the 1-0 defeat at Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League on Sunday.

The 30-year-old England skipper issued a statement after video footage was posted on the internet.

"I'm disappointed people have leapt to the wrong conclusions about the context of what I was seen to be saying to Anton Ferdinand," Terry said. "I thought Anton was accusing me of using a racist slur against him.

"I responded aggressively, saying I never used that term. I would never say such a thing and I'm saddened people would think so."

Terry said there was no problem between him and Ferdinand when the pair spoke after the game which Chelsea lost after being reduced to nine men in the first half.